The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical brings a bolt of energy to the Wales Millennium Centre, delivering a fast‑paced, funny, and delightfully chaotic tribute to Rick Riordan’s beloved story.
I was invited along to review the show, and as someone who adored the books growing up and recently enjoyed the new Disney+ series, I was genuinely curious to see how this world of gods, monsters, and quests would translate to the stage. What unfolded was a lively, imaginative production that embraces the spirit of the original text while carving out its own identity.
One of the standout achievements of this musical is its staging. The creative team use illusions, movement, and clever design to bring the “magical” moments of Percy Jackson’s world to life in ways that feel inventive and theatrical. The gritty, urban‑inspired set and costumes were an unexpected choice, but one that worked surprisingly well — grounding the story in a modern, youthful energy that suits the characters perfectly.
The score was another highlight. I’ll admit I was a little worried it might lean into jukebox‑musical territory, but the original rock‑driven soundtrack is electric. It gives the show a bold, contemporary edge and elevates the story in a way that feels fresh, fun, and completely its own — distinct from the original text and other adaptations.
The cast brought huge personality to the stage. Abe Armitage was a lively and charismatic Percy Jackson, capturing the humour and heart of the character with ease. Kayna Montecillo was absolutely incredible as Annabeth; her stunning vocals stood out throughout the evening, and her portrayal of the tough, ambitious daughter of Athena felt both true to the original character and uniquely her own. Cahir O’Neill as Grover and Joseph Connor as Mr D (Dionysus) delivered some of the biggest laughs of the night — their comedic timing and playful performances gave the show a brilliant boost of humour. A special mention must also go to Simone Robinson, who took on multiple roles, most memorably Sally Jackson and Medusa. Her smooth, powerful voice left me with goosebumps. The rest of the cast Niall Sheehy as Mr Bruner, Ellie-Grace Cousins as Clarisse, Paolo Micallef as Luke, along with Alex Anderton, Ellouise Delooze, Becca Francis and Amy McEvoy were an incredible, high-energy additions to the cast.
The show is undeniably fun, energetic, and packed with heart. It’s a great choice for families, long‑time Percy Jackson fans, or anyone looking for an entertaining night out. The only challenge the production faces is the sheer amount of story it tries to fit into its running time. With so many iconic moments to cover, the pacing occasionally feels a little rushed, with some emotional beats passing by more quickly than they deserve. It doesn’t take away from the enjoyment — the show remains engaging throughout — but there were times when I wished certain scenes had just a little more room to breathe.
Overall, The Lightning Thief is a lively, imaginative, and heartfelt tribute to a much‑loved story. It captures the humour, adventure, and youthful spirit of Percy Jackson while offering something new for fans and newcomers alike. If you’re ready for a fast‑paced quest filled with monsters, music, and a whole lot of fun, this is a show worth catching at the Wales Millennium Centre.
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical will be at the Wales Millennium Centre until the 24th January, so get your tickets now!
You can find out more about the The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical UK tour on their website, Facebook and Instagram!
And keep a look out for what’s going on at the Wales Millennium Centre on their website, Facebook and Instagram!
All photo credits to Johan Persson.
